Disclosed are systems and methods for converting a control track designed for use with a number and/or type of haptic output devices to be used with other numbers and/or types of haptic output devices. For example, a computing device may convert the control track into another control track that can be applied to other types and/or numbers of haptic output devices. The converted control track may be compatible for use with a smartphone or other system that includes a different number and/or type of haptic feedback devices than the system for which the haptic track was originally designed. In this manner, the user of the smartphone or other system may experience haptic feedback using a device that is different from another haptic feedback system for which the control track was originally designed for use. The conversion may occur locally at the smartphone or other system and/or remotely at another device.
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1. A computer-implemented method of providing haptic feedback, the method comprising: receiving a first haptic control track with a processor, the first haptic control track configured to cause a first number of haptic output devices to generate a first haptic feedback; and generating a second haptic control track with the processor based on the first haptic control track, the second haptic control track configured to cause a second number of haptic output devices to generate a second haptic feedback, wherein the second number is different than the first number.
A computer system provides haptic feedback by taking an existing haptic control track (think of it as instructions for vibrations) designed for a specific number of vibration motors or haptic devices. The system then generates a new haptic control track, modified to work with a different number of haptic devices. For example, a haptic track made for a game console with advanced rumble features could be adapted for a smartphone with only a simple vibration motor.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the first haptic control track is received via a stream.
Building upon the haptic feedback system where a control track is adapted for a different number of haptic devices, the original haptic control track is received as a continuous data stream, like receiving audio or video streaming over the Internet. This allows for real-time adaptation of haptic feedback.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2 , wherein the receiving of the first haptic control track comprises storing at least a portion of the first haptic control track in a memory buffer for processing.
The haptic feedback system where a control track is adapted and the original is received as a stream, temporarily stores the incoming haptic data stream in a memory buffer. This buffer allows the system to process the haptic data without interruption, even if the incoming stream experiences minor delays or fluctuations.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the first haptic control track comprises a plurality of channels.
In the haptic feedback system where a control track is adapted, the original haptic control track is structured as a series of channels. Think of audio channels in a surround sound system, but for haptic data. Each channel could control a specific vibration motor or a specific aspect of the haptic effect.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4 , wherein the generating of the second haptic control track comprises converting the plurality of channels into a lesser number of channels that are included in the second haptic control track.
With the haptic feedback system using multi-channel haptic tracks, adapting the track for a device with fewer haptic output devices involves reducing the number of channels. The system converts the original, more complex multichannel track into a simplified track with fewer channels.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5 , wherein the converting comprises removing one or more of the plurality of channels.
For the multichannel haptic system, one method of reducing the channel count when adapting the haptic track is simply removing one or more of the original channels. This effectively eliminates certain aspects of the original haptic feedback.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 5 , wherein the converting comprises combining two or more of the plurality of channels.
In the multichannel haptic track adaptation, another method to reduce the channel count is to combine two or more of the original channels into a single channel. This merges the haptic effects of the combined channels.
8. The computer-implemented method of claim 4 , wherein the generating of the second haptic control track comprises converting the plurality of channels into a greater number of channels that are included in the second haptic control track.
Conversely, when adapting a haptic track for a device with more haptic output devices, the system increases the number of channels in the haptic track. This allows for creating more complex and nuanced haptic feedback.
9. The computer-implemented method of claim 8 , wherein the converting comprises adding one or more additional channels to the plurality of channels.
When increasing the number of channels in the haptic track for devices with more haptic outputs, the system adds one or more new channels to the existing set. This enhances the overall haptic experience.
10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 , wherein the one or more additional channels are derived from the plurality of channels.
In the method of adding new channels to the haptic track, the added channels are not entirely new data, but are derived from the existing channels. This ensures the new haptic effects are related to the original design.
11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10 , wherein the one or more additional channels are derived by averaging, merging, or combining two or more of the plurality of channels or by duplicating one or more of the plurality of channels.
The added channels in the multichannel haptic adaptation can be created by averaging, merging, or combining existing channels, or by simply duplicating an existing channel. This provides several ways to expand the haptic output based on the original data.
12. The computer-implemented method of claim 4 , wherein at least one of the plurality of channels is left unaltered and included in the second haptic control track.
When adapting a multichannel haptic track, the system can choose to leave some of the original channels unchanged and include them directly in the new haptic control track. This preserves certain core haptic effects.
13. The computer-implemented method of claim 4 , wherein at least one of the plurality of channels is altered by modifying its envelope and then included in the second haptic control track.
In the process of adapting multichannel haptic tracks, some channels are altered by modifying their "envelope". This means changing the intensity and duration of the haptic effect within that channel before including it in the new track.
14. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the generating of the second haptic control track comprises: obtaining one or more commands from the first haptic control track, wherein the one or more commands are configured to cause the first number of haptic output devices to generate the first haptic feedback, wherein the second haptic control track is generated based on the one or more commands.
The haptic feedback adaptation process can also extract commands from the original haptic track. These commands describe the intended haptic feedback, and the system uses those commands to generate the new control track for a different set of haptic devices.
15. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein processing of the first haptic control track comprises: obtaining a description of one or more events occurring in relation to the first haptic control track, wherein the second haptic control track is generated based on the description of the one or more events, and wherein the one or more events comprise a visual event, an audio event, or a process occurring in media that is to be played back along with the second haptic control track.
The system can analyze the first haptic control track, identifying associated events like visual or audio cues. The second haptic control track is then generated based on these event descriptions, synchronizing the adapted haptic feedback with the corresponding media playback.
16. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising: identifying one or more patterns within the first haptic control track; and correlating the one or more patterns with one or more events, wherein the second haptic control track is generated based on the one or more events.
The system identifies patterns within the original haptic control track and correlates these patterns with specific events. The adapted haptic feedback is then generated based on these events, allowing for intelligent mapping of haptic feedback.
17. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving one or more manual editing commands from a user; and modifying the second haptic control track such that the second haptic feedback to be generated is modified based on the one or more manual editing commands.
The system allows a user to manually edit the adapted haptic control track. These manual edits modify the haptic feedback, giving the user fine-grained control over the final haptic experience.
18. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising: providing media content to a media output device such that the second haptic control track causes the second haptic feedback to be coordinated with playback of the media content.
The adapted haptic control track is used to synchronize haptic feedback with media content being played. This ensures the vibrations and other haptic sensations are coordinated with the video or audio output.
19. A system of providing haptic feedback, the system comprising a processor programmed to: receive a first haptic control track configured to cause a first number of haptic output devices to provide a first haptic feedback; and generate a second haptic control track based on the first haptic control track, the second haptic control track configured to cause a second number of haptic output devices to generate a second haptic feedback, wherein the second number is different than the first number.
A computer system provides haptic feedback by taking an existing haptic control track (instructions for vibrations) designed for a specific number of vibration motors. The system then generates a new haptic control track, modified to work with a different number of haptic devices. For example, a haptic track made for a game console with advanced rumble features could be adapted for a smartphone with only a simple vibration motor.
20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to provide haptic feedback by: receiving a first haptic control track, the first haptic control track configured to cause a first number of haptic output devices to generate a first haptic feedback; and generating a second haptic control track based on the first haptic control track, the second haptic control track configured to cause a second number of haptic output devices to generate a second haptic feedback, wherein the second number is different than the first number.
A computer-readable storage medium contains instructions to provide haptic feedback by taking an existing haptic control track (instructions for vibrations) designed for a specific number of vibration motors. The system then generates a new haptic control track, modified to work with a different number of haptic devices. For example, a haptic track made for a game console with advanced rumble features could be adapted for a smartphone with only a simple vibration motor.
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June 24, 2016
July 25, 2017
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